Unintended Consequences

Newark, New Jersey – FCC investigators were able to use radio monitoring equipment to locate a truck that was transmitting radio signals within a restricted frequency at Newark Liberty airport. The illegal transmission caused the GPS signal for the air traffic control system to jam. As a result of the investigation, the man responsible for the illegal transmission is being fined $32,000 by the FCC.

The reason the man cited for using the jamming device was to keep his company from tracking where he was. However, his actions put all the air traffic at the airport at risk. The idea likely seemed innocent and justifiable to him. The problem was that he did not think beyond his personal circumstances.

We may view our relationship to God as very private. However, this story illustrates that the actions of one can have an impact, even if unintended, on many. Any person out of sync with God, actually puts other ‘at risk.’ Our relationship with God is personal, but it is not private. A healthy relationship with God contributes to healthy personal relationships. A broken relationship with God can damage other relationships.

So, before you decide to ‘jam’ your relationship with God, just remember you may be taking down an entire system.

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The word personal is so clothed in the culture. Personal means me. We get God wrong with that word. Our God is relational (also called personal) and that is about us not me. God does not deal with sin impersonally. Rather he is like how a parent (father) deals with a son/daughter – in person (face to face)

Paul, I think we are saying the same thing. I take private to be about ‘me.’ Personal is ‘as in relationship.’ Community is a significant part of our relationship with God. It is about Him and his relationship to all of us. Thanks for adding a word.